All About Cork: Cork historian remembered at Mother Jones Festival launch
The Kalyna Choir performing at the launch of The Spirit of Mother Jones Festival at the Maldron Hotel Shandon.
A fitting tribute was made to historian and musician Richard T.Cooke at the official launch of the 2025 Spirit of Mother Jones Festival.
The former Echo columnist passed away last October leaving behind a valued legacy of writing about Cork’s history. He was a founding member of the Cork Mother Jones Committee.
Lord Mayor Fergal Dennehy said of Mr Cooke in his festival launch speech.
“Richard was a cherished figure in Cork’s cultural and civic life—a man of remarkable talent, quiet generosity, and unwavering dedication to his community. As a historian, author, broadcaster, and performer, Richard had a rare gift for bringing the past to life and sharing it with warmth, wit, and insight.
“Through his writings, radio work, and public talks, he captured the spirit of Cork with affection and accuracy, preserving its stories for future generations. He was also a strong advocate for heritage and the arts, never seeking the spotlight, but always willing to lend his voice when it mattered.
“Above all, Richard was kind—deeply respectful of others, passionate about his city, and always generous with his time and knowledge. His legacy will live on not only in his work, but in the countless lives he touched through his commitment to Cork’s history and its people.
“He will be greatly missed.” The 14th annual festival itself will commence on Thursday 24th July and continue for three days and nights until Saturday evening 26th July. There are some 22 events planned, all are free to the public on a first come first seated basis. The events will be held in the Dance Cork Firkin Crane and the Maldron Hotel.
This festival and summer school celebrates the amazing life of Cork born Mary Harris who went on to become known the world over as Mother Jones, the radical trade union and miners’ leader. Senator Bernie Sanders during his recent visit to view the Mother Jones Plaque in Shandon stated that Mother Jones was never more needed in the world today.
According to James Nolan, spokesperson for the Cork Mother Jones Committee "We want to welcome everyone to this unique festival and summer school taking place each year in Shandon to celebrate the American Trade union leader Mother Jones, born Mary Harris in 1837 in the local community.
“This year we are delighted to welcome participants from the United States, Mexico, the Ukraine, the UK, Palestine and Argentina as well as Ireland in what has become a truly international festival and represents an amazing achievement and undertaking for this small community.” Speakers will include the Palestinian Ambassador to Ireland, Jilan Wahba Abdalmajiid who will discuss the situation in Gaza and the West Bank. This will be followed by the Gaza Monologues, both events taking place at the Dance Cork Firkin Crane.
The Spirit of Mother Jones award for 2025 will also be announced.
All details can be found on www.motherjonescork.com. Programmes are available in the public libraries throughout Cork.
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